Laura’s younger sister, Vicky, first came into contact with Garden House on New Year’s Eve in 2025 in what would be the first of three stays on our Inpatient Unit. The mum of two had been struggling with pain relating to a triple negative breast cancer diagnosis and had lost the use of her arm, making it difficult to care for her young family at home.
Laura described Vicky as a strong and loving person who she was very proud of. She is taking part in our Sunset Starlight Walk this year to remember Vicky and thank the Hospice for the care they provided her, already raising over £4,700.
“Having the help that she needed rather than us struggling at home was a huge relief,” Laura shared. “When any of us came in to see Vicky, she was like a completely different person - her smile was back again.
“She came in three times and each time, everyone made us feel so welcome. They would support us all as a family and spoil Vicky’s boys - every time they came in they got brownies and ice creams, and Vicky could pick her favourite poached eggs on toast whenever she wanted. Nothing was ever too much trouble.
“Vicky also built up so much rapport with all the nurses. One used to make duck earrings and gave her a pair; another always managed to get her dressing just right every time, so it was heaven.
“When she passed away, the staff, the nurses that were on shift that night were all very supportive and we could spend as much time as we liked to say goodbye. Even now, her boys, every time they come past, they always say ‘this is where Mummy’s hospital is!’ And they have fond memories of here which is so important.
“Without the Hospice, there wouldn’t be any family support or support for the boys, and Vicky’s care wouldn’t have been so personalised. Here, they knew what she needed and she was comfortable and happy. It’s a lovely place and I wanted to do the Sunset Starlight Walk to give something back to them.
“I remember speaking to Vicky about it before she passed because I kept seeing the poster when I was visiting her. She was so proud of me when I hit over £1,000 with my fundraising, and it’s made me even more determined to do it in her memory as well.”